Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam Review

Summer is fast approaching and I can't wait. Sun, beaches, summer, clothes, and warmer weather. But for people like me who are so pale that when we are out in the sun we burn and go bright red and peel. Summer can be a nightmare. I wear sunscreen whenever I am outside to protect my skin from sun damage.

 I use to envy the girls with the golden tan.......Until a friend introduced me to Bondi Sands fake tan.

So I have now been using Bondi Sands Light/Medium Self Tanning Foam for over a year now and I haven't looked back.

The Bondi Sands foam is great for people like me (Non tan experts) Easy to apply, colour is amazing and smells so good.

This tan is blue/green based so there will never be an issue with an orange oompa loompa look about you  Even when the tan is developing I can go out and not feel like everyone is looking at me and knows that I have "just" faked tan. I also love the fact that I can apply 2 light coats of the tan sit in my dressing gown apply my makeup and then get dressed for work and the tan is dry (just avoid light coloured clothes while the tan is developing) A big bonus is the smell. It has a really nice scent of coconuts, my boyfriend has told me the smell reminds him of his Nan's biscuits.

PREP THE SKIN

I shave my legs the day before and exfoliate
It's important to remove any dead skin before applying fake tan so it doesn't look patchy and looks even and flawless. Just avoid an oil based exfoilater as the oil can create a layer between the tan and your skin making it harder for the tan to grab.

APPLYING THE TAN

I apply two pumps of the foam onto my tanning glove and then using circular motions I blend onto my skin. I normally like to start with my legs and work upwards. I only choose my legs first so they dry quicker so I can then sit down sooner after I apply it.
Apply a light coat all over legs, leave the knees to last and use whatever is left on the glove to rub over the knees. The knees, elbows ankles, feet and hands are the driest areas of the body and will soak up more tan which will make them darker
I wait an few minutes until the first layer is almost dry and apply another coat.

LETTING IT DRY

I find the foam dries quiet quickly I wait at least half an hour before applying clothes but I wear a dressing gown around the house while it dries.
 Best thing about this product is that the colour is instant and for a light natural tan it can be washed off after an hour or left for up to 6 for a darker longer lasting tan.


AFTER 6 HOURS

So I normally like to apply this first thing after my shower in the morning and then wash it off at the end of the day. Or I apply it at night and wash it off the next morning. I wash it off and use a body wash to remove any excess. When I get out of the shower I pat myself dry and then apply a hydrating moisturiser all over my body.
I make sure I moisturise morning and night while I have fake tan on ( I use St Ives 24 Hour Deep Restoring with Almond Oil)

HOW IT WEARS

Bondi Sands Foam for me wears really well. It can look a little patchy in some areas after about 4-5 days but mostly in areas like my cleavage or under my arms, so not obvious areas like my arms stomach and legs. It fades evenly and then I soak in baby oil and exfoliate the rest off.


BEST BITS

This is Australian made
Comes in a 200ml Pump bottle
Very affordable at $19.99 at Priceline (but they do have it on special a lot)

Until next time
xox

PS to keep up to date with products I'm loving, wearing or different makeup looks

 you can find me on Instagram: @claudaciousmakeup
Facebook: www.facebook.com/claudaciousmakeup

Chi Chi Fabulous and Flawless Foundation

If you follow me on Instagram you would have seen countless photos of me wearing/using Chi Chi's Fabulous and Flawless Foundation quite a few times a week. I have featured this foundation in other posts "Picking the right foundation for you" and in "July favourites"

But I felt like it deserved its very own post so I could go further into detail for you.

I have been using this foundation since July, not every day but I think at least every second day and I have finished my first bottle. Which I haven't done in such a long time, so I am a little excited about it

I was attracted to this foundation by the description on the packaging:

Flawless Face:
Oil free, ultra lightweight formula
Medium, yet buildable coverage
Long wearing, smudge proof, staying power
Easy glide on application
Skin looks and feels soft, fresh and natural
colour true, even looking shades.

Fabulous Formula:
Super moisturising
Super Hydrating
Antioxidant Vitamin enriched (A E and B5)
With continual use helps reduce the appearance of fine lines
Paraben free

After reading all this I had to try it and I loved it. I think it would be my favourite foundation to date. I have never found a foundation that does what it says it will do. I love the coverage as I can cover my freckles and when I tell people I have freckles they don't believe me, because my foundation looks so natural and flawless and doesn't go cakey as I build on the coverage and once it's on my face it stays there all day. It doesn't rub onto my clothes or my hands if I touch my face.

From the outset everything appealed to me. The packaging is simple but very eye appealing and with easy explanations of colour descriptions it makes it easy to select a shade. The bottle itself is lovely and looks like its worth more than its retail price of $29.95. It is a matte glass bottle with a pump which makes it easy to use. You can also unscrew the pump so you scrape every last little bit out (which I have been doing, so I don't waste it)

The formula is very easy to blend. It's not runny or thick, it's a nice consistency and doesn't feel heavy on at all and has a satin sort of finish. It's not matte but not dewy. It has a nice fragrant smell of flowers as well when you first pump it out of the bottle but once its applied and set with a powder I never smell it.

I have an oily T zone and struggle to find a foundation that stays on all day, especially on my nose and chin. I find myself having to touch up my makeup during the day with other brands, but Chi Chi Fabulous and Flawless I can wear this for at least 8 hours and it will still look ok when I get home from work, by then though I am a little shiny on my nose but for at least a solid 6 hours my freckles are covered and I look matte down the centre of my face. It also doesn't smudge off if you wipe it against clothes or touch your hand against your face.

I own two shades of this now. One for my normal skin tone and one for when I fake tan.

As you can see I am a fan and love this foundation and will recommend it to others, but I am aware everybody is different and different products suit everyone but for me this is amazing and I LOVE it and for the price I think it such great value. It is available from Myer and Target in Australia who have discounts on Chi Chi quite often.

Until next time
xox

PS to keep up to date with products I'm loving, wearing or different makeup looks

 you can find me on Instagram: @claudaciousmakeup
Facebook: www.facebook.com/claudaciousmakeup

How to Contour

Contouring can be tricky. knowing what products to use, how and where to use them. Contouring use to be for runway models, celebrities and fashion photo shoots, but these days contouring is used in many peoples daily makeup routine. So for those who are still confused about contouring let me explain briefly.

 Contouring is about creating shape to the face and enhancing your facial features. So by using a dark shade it will recede areas and make them look smaller (nose, forehead, double chin) and by using lighter shades it enhances them (cheekbones, centre of nose, under the eye) The whole reason makeup artists contour their clients is to achieve the "perfect" oval face.

Here is my guide to contouring

I start with a fresh cleansed face. Apply primer all over and then my chosen foundation.
The highlighting and contouring part is different for everyone there is no correct product to use. All I can suggest is use a product a few shades lighter for highlighting and a product a few shades darker for contouring.

I personally like to use Maybelline Fit Me concealers. They are easy to use and the colours are great for me.

I start with applying light concealer (I use shade 15 Fair) and I apply this under my eyes, on my cheekbones, down the centre of my nose, on my cupids bow and on the centre of my forehead and chin and blend.

Next I apply the darker concealer (30 Cafe) to the hollows of my cheeks, the sides of my chin, temples and my hairline and the side of my nose. Blend

For some people this is enough but I like to do more.

I apply Physicians Formula Mineral Glow Pearls in Translucent pearl over my cheekbones and under my eyes.

Then I apply Revlon Matte Bronzer 035 Sun on the hollows of my cheeks. By doing this it adds shimmer to my cheekbones and highlights them more, especially when the light hits my face. The reason I like using a matte bronzer is because I am wanting my contouring to look natural.

Following the bronzer I then set my foundation and contouring with Face of Australia translucent loose powder and lightly dust my whole face with it. For my end look I kept it simple and went for a bronzed eye and bold lip as I wanted my base to be the focus.

Same makeup but lighting was different... sorry

hope you found this helpful. 

Until 

My Skin Care Routine - What I use and why

I love wearing makeup and enjoy applying it each day. As a makeup artist its important that my makeup looks good every day at work. But good makeup starts with good skin. I have recently changed skincare products and I am excited every night to remove my makeup because of what I now use.

I have always had pretty good skin, even as a teenager. But it the last few years I have decided to look after my skin as I'm not getting any younger and want to start now before it's too late.

So until recently I had used the same skincare products for the last few years. My skin was ok oily in my T-zone and occasional pimples.
I had a consultation with the amazing skin care adviser I work with. (I don't know alot about skincare products as makeup is my area of expertise)
After looking at my skin (while wearing a full face of makeup) she and told me I had dehydrated skin. We discussed my routine and the products I was using. There was nothing wrong with them, they just weren't doing enough for my skin.
So with the 40% off skincare Priceline had a few weeks ago I decided it was the time to invest in new products.......My skin has never been this good.
After a week my skin care adviser noticed a huge difference. Skin didn't look dull, blemishes on my chin were gone and my face was less shiny. Its now been 4 weeks and my skin is still looking good. Its less dehydrated now to what it was.

My new skincare routine consists of (New and Old products)
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo Cleanser
Bioderma Crealine H20 Cleanser (using this for over 12 months now)
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Moisturiser (using this for 6 months now)
Indeed Laboratories Hydraluron Moisture Jelly
Indeed Laboratories Hydraluron Moisture Serum
Indeed Laboratories Facial Powdered Exfoliator
Avene Eye Contour Cream (using this for 8 months now)
Indeed Laboratories Hydraluron Moisture Mask.

So this looks like a lot of products but when I break it down its not.

Every Morning: Cleanser then moisture jelly, then before I apply my makeup I use Effaclar Duo.

Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday night: I always try and take my makeup off about an hour before I go to bed. So I cleanse then remove my eye makeup remover with Bioderma then apply the Moisture Jelly and then just before I get into bed I apply my eye cream and the indeed labs serum.

Wednesday night: Same as every other night except I exfoliate. I use it twice a week.

Sunday night: Is a pamper night total me time I cleanse, remove eye makeup remover, exfoliate, moisture mask, moisture jelly and then just before bed I use the serum and eye cream.

So you guys can understand why I love each of these products I want to give you a brief description on them all.


La Roche-Posay Cleanser: Removes makeup and cleanses. Its a nice milky white cream lotion that doesn't need water to rinse off. I do use a damp face cloth to wipe my face clean. My skin can be a little sensitive so this is perfect for me.

Bioderma Cleanser: Removes my eye makeup gently without and hard rubbing and it removes long wearing eyeshadows, liners and mascaras. Just a little of this product goes a long way.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo: My morning moisturiser it makes my face feel fresh and matte before I apply my makeup. It helps unclog my pores

Indeed Labs Moisture Serum: This product contains hydraluron (hence the name) which is a hydrating ingredient that holds 1,000 times its weight in water. My face feels so nice after its been applied.

Avene Eye Contour Cream: I haven't started using anything serious around my eyes. I don't have lines to worry about or dark circles but I do get dry around them and it doesn't hurt to add moisture to the area and help  slow the process of lines appearing. You only need the tiniest amount to do both eyes (TIP: at night only apply cream to under the eye, it will be less puffy in the morning)

Indeed Labs Moisture Jelly: This is a moisturiser but doesn't feel like one. It's a gel formula but packs a punch liked a serum. It's light, cooling and refreshing on my face and I instantly feel hydrated. I love the packaging. The jar is a flat top with a pump. One push on top and the right amount of jelly will be released.

Indeed Labs powder exfoliater: Mix this with water in the palm of my hand and lather it and apply it over my face. It gently removes any dead skin and leaves my face feeling soft and smooth. My skin looks glowing refreshed clean and hydrated.

Indeed Labs Moisture Mask: I had never used a mask like this before. After taking it out of its individual packet it felt wet but cooling. I leave it for about 20 mins and left the mask do its work. It adds moisture to my face and leaves it feeling relaxed and cooking

Its alot of moisture I have added to my skin and I was always worried adding excess moisture would cause me to breakout with pimples everywhere but I know differently now. In the process of writing this I learnt alot more about dehydrated skin from some training sessions I went to. Nearly everyone has dehydrated skin but they may not know it. I am glad I spoke to someone trained in skin care and am finally using products that are finally helping my skin.

Until next time xoxo

Claudia

Younique 3D Fiber Lash Mascara

Hi everyone...... I have recently received the Younique mascara to try and wanted to share my thoughts about it with you, but before I do I feel like I need to have a little rant and get it out of the way

If you are familiar with social media especially Instagram and either have or follow a few beauty/makeup pages I am sure you would have come across this brand. I have seen lots of photos of people trying the mascara and was really impressed and wanted to try it. But I have come across some rude and pushy representatives for this brand which made me avoid even trying to contact someone about it. I personally don't like them spamming my photos trying to sell the product. A few have been pushy (maybe not intentionally) and I think its unprofessional. I understand that these people are trying to run a business and make money but there are other ways. I was contacted by a few representatives via email who were lovely and professional.
(Younique is a similar concept to Avon - seller earns commission/income from selling products)

Like I said I had really want to try this product, all the photos I had seen looked great and made a massive difference, but every photo I had seen was from someone that had connections with the brand. So here is my review of the mascara with no strings attached.

First Impression: Packaging was stunning from the actual parcel itself and then inside with the tissue paper. Unwrapping the tissue I found a black case, inside were two matte black tubes. Moodstruck transplant gel and Moodstuck natural fibers.

To apply: Concentrate on one eye at a time. Start with applying the transplant gel (mascara) onto your lashes like a normal mascara. Then coat the tips of your lashes with the fibers. I applied 2 layers of both and was happy with the look, I could have gone another layer but was worried my lashes would start to look spidery.

....... well it's been over a week and I have worn the mascara everyday and it's worn really well. It hasn't smudged or flaked and they look so long all day. Removes really easy at the end of the day with makeup remover. I use Bioderma Crealine H20 solution micellaire cleanser. It has taken me a little longer to do my mascara in the morning, so I would prefer to do wear this on weekends, when I had more time to get ready or for special occasions where false lashes would be a bit too much.

As you can see from below I have shown you before mascara
One eye with the mascara and one without
And then both eyes completed

After everything I think it's a really good mascara. My lashes do look amazing and long without looking spidery. I am just disappointed that the representatives are tarnishing the brand and spamming makeup/beauty accounts on social media and turning people off the brand before they even try the product.
Having said that I have gone through Jenn Sherrer via email and she has been so professional and helpful and polite. If you do wanna get your hands on this mascara and try it yourself contact her

www.youniqueproducts.com/JennSherrer/party
jennsherrer.yp@gmail.com

Take care
Until next time xox

July Favourites

Wow........ July was a month of so many new and exciting products hitting the shelves  I had to try a few and the products I am loving this month are.......

1. Face of Australia HD primer
2. Chi Chi Fabulous and Flawless foundation
3 Chi Chi Real mineral finishing powder
4 L'Oréal Infallible foundation
5 Suvana Organic Paw Paw balm

Sooooo the Chi Chi foundation isn't a new product but I had seen so many good things about it, I had to try it and after a month of using it I still think its one of my best purchases to date. I haven't been able to find a foundation that does what it says says it will do, lasts for sufficient hours without needing to be reapplied or re powdered.

The colour match was perfect and the way Chi Chi sets out the descriptions on the packaging makes it so easy to find the right shade.

The first day I actually wore this foundation I was in the sun for 5 hours at the beach which included a 3km walk. After all that my face looked flawless. I was with my Bestie and were both impressed I wasn't shiny or my foundation wasn't wearing off. Since that day I have pretty much been wearing everyday. I am constantly getting complimented on my foundation and how good and flawless I look.

A few weeks later I came across the Chi Chi Real mineral translucent finishing powder at Myer. A week later I had to get it and wearing these 2 together is a match made in heaven.
The powder is loose and white, you don't need to use a lot. Over applied and it could leave you looking a little white.

Face of Australia HD primer
I tried this in store at Priceline the day it hit the shelf and instantly loved how it felt on my hand. I had to have it. I personally prefer silicone based primers (which this one is) it's also oil free so it won't clog your pores :)
When applied to my face it felt smoother all over any fine lines and pores were filled in. I have worn a few different foundations with this primer all have lasted and look good at the end of the day

L'Oréal Infallible Foundation
I never tried the old formula but I do love and wear L'Oréal true match. Infallible is a nice thick liquid. Two coats applied to my face and it covers perfectly. The only downside is the colour range.  With only 7 shades it was hard to match to my skin tone. I got #140 Golden beige. It's yellow based and darker than my skin colour but it's perfect when I tan. It doesn't look thick and cakey and it lasts all day

Suvana Organic Paw Paw and Honey Balm
A very good friend of mine Shenae Gillespie is the face of this amazing product. Once she told me about it I had to try it out. I have used other paw paw products in the past, but I have now tossed them since using this one.

 The taste is so much nicer because of the honey. It doesn't feel thick (as I do use it mainly on my lips) the best thing is it doesn't contain any harmful chemicals and is sulphate and paraben free. I have a terrible cold this week so my nose and lips have been dry but using Suvana Paw Paw my lips are back to normally and the dry skin on my nose has healed.

Until  next time xox

Picking the right foundation for YOU!!!!

As I work in a retail makeup store I have a lot of customers (and foundafriends) wanting new foundations but are unsure of what they want. So I have put together a list of foundations to suit everyone. From light coverage to full coverage. Keep reading to find the right foundation for you

LIGHT COVERAGE:

BB Cream: BB means Beauty Balm, a makeup product that's all in one. To put it simple its a tinted moisturiser with extra benefits.
I have a couple of BB creams and loved them when they became popular last year. But I  prefer to wear a full coverage foundation, but my top two would be:

Rimmel Matte BB Cream. I love wearing the Rimmel one as I love the finish. It is matte. Feels nice on without being sticky

In this picture I have used a sample size as I couldn't find my actual product.

Revlon's BB cream has the highest SPF in all drugstore BB's. So this is my go to product when I head to the beach.

BB is great if you want a light coverage, it will be perfect for weekends, school or the beach

LIGHT/MEDIUM COVERAGE:

Revlon Nearly Naked: A light weight foundation that looks natural on  and melts into your skin with a build able coverage. If you have freckles, pimples you will still see them. Your skin will look fresh and flawless without looking like you are wearing makeup. Its an oil free formula so its perfect for all skin types.

Maybelline Fit Me shine-Free Stick Foundation: Most stick foundations offer full coverage until this one. Its a gel stick foundation with the centre offering an anti shine formula. It's easy to apply and blend. The Fit me stick provides a light to medium build able coverage oil free and sets matte.

Both of these are great foundations for everyday use.


MEDIUM COVERAGE:

L'Oreal True Match: One of my top 5 foundations. I love the coverage it gives. Its medium yet build able. I can apply two light layers over my face and it will cover my freckles. It looks flawless on and doesn't crease and wears well all day. It has a low SPF aswell which makes it a perfect foundation to wear to avoid that "ghost" look while using a flash on cameras.

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation: I think I wear this every Monday or the day after a late night. It reawakens my skin with an anti-fatigue glow. It gives a flawless yet natural finish and leaves a radiant glow.
This is a great product for tired fatigued skin.

MEDIUM/FULL COVERAGE:

Chi Chi Fabulous and Flawless: OMG I am loving this foundation at the moment. I bought this about two weeks ago and have pretty much been using it everyday. I love a foundation to cover my freckles and stay matte all day without having to powder my face several times a day. This foundation does both. I can wear this for over eight hours and it will stay on my face and I will be shine free. I am so glad I have found this foundation.

Revlon Colorstay Foundation: I use to wear this foundation for years before I became a MUA and before i started working in retail makeup store and branched out and tried others. Its still an old favourite of mine but I love others more these days. The formula has changed and I prefer the new formula. Colorstay is available in Normal/Dry and Combination/Oily. I wear the combination foundation. It wears all day with a lightweight feel and doesn't come off. I have worn it to the beach wasn't expecting to go swimming, but I did and it was still on in most parts of my face at the end of the day. Colorstay is oil free so it doesn't clog my pores

I hope you guys find this helpful when looking for new foundations
If you have any questionnd if you have any looks or products you want to know about feel free to contact me.

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